12th May Quiz (Questions only)

1. George VI was crowned on 12 May 1937. For whose coronation had the date originally been planned?

2. The Soviet blockade of Berlin ended on 12 May 1949. What German nickname was given to the Allied supply planes, because some pilots dropped sweets for children?

3. Florence Nightingale was born on 12 May 1820. In which modern city was the military hospital at Scutari where she worked in the Crimean War?

4. The General Strike ended on 12 May 1926. How many days had it lasted?

5. On 12 May 1191, Richard I married Berengaria of Navarre while on his way to the Third Crusade. On which island did the wedding take place?

6. A huge earthquake struck south-west China on 12 May 2008, killing nearly 70,000 people. In which province?

7. On 12 May 1982, a priest tried to stab Pope John Paul II at a shrine where he had come to give thanks for surviving a shooting the year before. In which country is the shrine?

8. On 12 May 1941, a German engineer presented the Z3 in Berlin, often called the first working programmable computer. Who built it?

9. The leader of the Labour Party died suddenly on 12 May 1994, opening the way for Tony Blair. Who was he?

10. Edward Lear was born on 12 May 1812. In what colour boat did the Owl and the Pussy-cat go to sea?

11. A poet and painter born in London on 12 May 1828 co-founded which artistic brotherhood in 1848?

12. An American actress born on 12 May 1907 holds the record for the most Best Actress Oscars. How many did she win?

13. A baseball player born on 12 May 1925, famous for sayings like "It ain't over till it's over", played for which team for most of his career?

14. An American composer born on 12 May 1928 wrote most of his famous songs with which lyricist?

15. A comedian born in Birmingham on 12 May 1924 lived at 23 Railway Cuttings in his radio and TV show. In which London suburb?

16. An English musician born on 12 May 1948 sang "Gimme Some Lovin'" as a teenager. Which band was it with?

17. A German artist born in Krefeld on 12 May 1921 was famous for working with felt and fat, and for explaining pictures to a dead hare. Who was he?

18. An American actor born on 12 May 1981 won the Best Actor Oscar for playing which rock singer?

19. A French composer born on 12 May 1842 wrote the opera "Thaïs", which includes a famous "Méditation" for violin. Who was he?

20. On 12 May 1965, West Germany established full diplomatic relations with which country?